Dream Scholarship Winners 2025

The Merrill Law Dream Scholarship

We are happy to announce the Dream Scholarship Winner for 2025. First we will share a little bit of information about this award.

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit an image with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to explain their dream.

We are happy to announce that we have two winners.

Payton Langum, dreams of being a Therapist.

This photo of me looking into the sunset represents the calm and clarity I hope to bring others as a future therapist.

My inspiration comes from the people around me who have silently struggled with mental health. Friends, family, and even myself. Seeing the power of simply being heard made me want to be someone who listens.

I’m planning to major in psychology and focus on therapy, and I’ve already started researching courses that will help me achieve my dreams.

I believe the difference will begin the moment I sit across from my first client and they feel safe enough to open up. Over time, I hope to help many people find strength, peace, and healing.

This dream matters deeply to me because mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked or stigmatized.

I want to help change that. I came to this goal through my own quiet moments, especially while watching sunsets in Washington, where I’ve always felt a sense of peace and perspective. Those moments reminded me that I want to be a source of calm for others too. Someone who can help guide them through life’s storms with compassion and understanding.

Michal Ruiter, dreams of being a Diesel Mechanic.

Who: Throughout the past year as I started working at Martin’s Feed in their shop, my dad has been the person who has encouraged me every step of the way.
What: This next year I will be continuing to work in our shop as well as attending Bellingham Technical College as a part of their diesel technician program.
When: After I finish my certification at Bellingham Technical College, I will be starting the transition into becoming head mechanic at Martin’s Feed.
Why: This is something that really brings me joy and has shown me I can do a lot more than I ever thought I could before.
How: Last year after discovering that what I had been planning on pursuing wasn’t going to be a good fit for me I spent a long time unsure of what I wanted to do.

I was mildly interested in mechanics and asked my dad if I could work in his shop just to try it out and make some extra money while I was at it. I quickly fell in love with it however and soon decided that this is what I wanted to pursue.

Congratulations to both of our winners.

Thank you to all of our applicants. We wish you the best as you move forward in life.

Follow along with Merrill Law

To see other opportunities that are available to help in our local community. We are planning a Shred Event and Food Drive in January 2026.

Want To Hear More From Merrill Law.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.